Slick-Fielding Starlyn Caba Brings ‘Electric’ Tools To Marlins

The Marlins traded for Dominican shortstop Starlyn Caba in December, but the 19-year-old already knows which Miami player he wants to emulate: Righthander Eury Perez , who made his big league debut at age 20.

If it were up to me, Id be (in the majors) right now, Caba said in a Spanish-language interview with Baseball America.

Id like to get there in one or two years.

Dont bet against Caba, a switch-hitter who was acquired in the trade that sent veteran lefthander Jesus Luzardo to the Phillies.

Caba receives double-plus grades as a fielder due to his soft hands, excellent range and smooth footwork at shortstop.

He also grades as a plus runner with an above-average arm.

Philadelphia signed Caba out of the Dominican Republic for $3 million in 2023.

He has a contact-oriented hitting approach and batted .254/.427/.335 with two home runs and 37 stolen bases in 52 games in the Rookie-level Florida Complex League last season.

He finished with 26 games for Low-A Clearwater as one of the Florida State Leagues youngest players.

Caba has rare plate discipline for a teenage hitter.

He drew 67 walks against 49 strikeouts in 78 total games last season.

Caba doesnt hit for much power, but he is so young that he still might grow into his strength.

Listed at 5-foot-9 and 160 pounds, Caba said hes now 5-foot-10 and 180.

Caba said the Phillies had him adjust his batting stance at midseason last year.

In order to tap into more power, he went from a crouch to standing tall in his stance.

It was hard to make the adjustment, Caba said, but Im now more comfortable with the change.

Caba, who has worked in the gym this winter on his explosiveness, said he plans on being a bit more aggressive at the plate in 2025.

But the best thing about being traded to the Marlins, Caba said, is that he grew up as a fan of the team.

I think the fans will like me because Im fast.

Im electric, Caba said.

But I wont believe Im a Marlin until I put on the cap and uniform..

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